Safety sleeping garment device



1954 D. A. BARSTOW 77 SAFETY SLEEPING GARMENT DEVICE Filed April 20, 1953 3 Sheets-Sheet l I N VENTOR [mar/1r /4/V/V fiARsmw BY $M% A ATTORNEYS D. A. BARSTQW SAFETY SLEEPING GARMENT DEVICE Nov. 2, 1954 3 Sheds-Sheet 2 Filed April 20, 1953 INVENTOR. 17080770 A/v/y BARsmw a/ M s 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 20, 1953 &

INVENTOR. flOROfiIY/M/NBARSTOW SAFETY SLEEPING GARMENT DEVICE Dorothy Ann Barstow, East Natick, Mass. Application April 20, 1953, Serial No. 349,757

15 Claims. (Cl. 128134) This invention relates to safety sleeping garment devices, and more particularly to such devices adapted to be attached to a bed or crib to prevent the wearer, usually an infant, from falling from or leaving the bed or crib, or becoming uncovered.

Infants propensities for falling or getting out of bed, and for getting out from under coverings are well known. There have been numerous prior proposals to provide harnesses or restraining apparatuses of varying constructions for dealing with this problem; but I have found prior art constructions known to me to be lacking as to secureness with which an infant can be kept in bed and under the covers, or comfort with which the apparatus may be worn, or permitting of reasonably restricted freedom of movement, or ease of application to an infant and attachment to a bed or the like.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved safety sleeping garment device of the class referred to and in which the objections to previously known devices of this kind are overcome to a maximum extent.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the kind referred to including a wraparound garment member of novel form and having new and improved means for securely holding the member on the torso, whilst nevertheless being comfortable to wear.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device of the character stated including a retainer assembly of novel construction, adjustable as to length for attachment to beds or cribs of different sizes, and having means connectible to the garment member in a manner to allow the sleeper to move to any prone position without, however, moving out from under the covers.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent from a reading of the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a wrap around garment member and part of a retainer including means for attaching the garment member to the retainer;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of one side of the wrap around member shown in Figure l with'attaching means shown at one side portion thereof, this view being drawn on an enlarged scale;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 but showing the other side portion of the wrap around member and other attaching means;

Figure 4 is an underneath perspective view of the parts shown in Figure 1, and also showing additional parts of the retainer;

' Figure 5 is a laid-out or developed perspective view showing the inside of the wrap around garment member;

Figure 6 is a detailed sectional view on the line 66 of Figure 5, drawn on an enlarged scale;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of the top and one side of a relatively wide bed, showing the safety sleeping garment device secured thereto and applied to an infant lying on his stomach; and

Figure 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of the top and one side of a relatively narrow bed and showing the safety device, and the infant on its back.

The preferred embodiment shown for illustrating the constructional organization of the parts and the manner of using a device embodying the invention includes a wrap around garment member generally designated A in the form of a jacket or vest adapted to encompass the torso of the person, usually an infant, to be prevented from falling or crawling out of bed; a retainer assembly generally designated B; and a bed C or C to which the retainer assembly is secured as shown in Fig- .ures 7 and 8. Considered generally, in using the safety device, the retainer assembly is first connected to the bed, and the wrap around garment is applied to the infant and then secured to the retainer assembly in such a manner that the infant may turn over and sleep on its side, stomach,'or back, but will be comfortably restrained against falling or crawling out of bed, or becoming uncovered.

The wrap around member A comprises a center portion 1, a first or right side-and-overlap portion 2, and a second or left side-and-overlap portion 3. The portions 2 and 3 merge with the center portion 1 generally in the line of arm holes 4 and 5, respectively. Preferably, the wrap around member A is applied to the infant so that the center portion 1 extends across the front of thetorso, and the side-and-overlap portions are passed,

respectively, around the sides and across the back .in overlapping relation, each side-and-overlap portion being of such length as to extend around one side, across the back, and substantially to the other side. In the form shown, the arrangement is such that the right side-and overlap portion 2 underlies the left side-and-overlap portion 3.

Means are provided for securing the free edge portions 2 and 3 of the side-and-overlap portions 2, 3 to the member A, preferably where the portions 2 and 3 merge with the center portion 1, e. g., substantially underneath the arm holes 4 and 5. For this purpose, two slit openings 6 are formed in the member A adjacent both portions 1 and 3 thereof, that is, where these portions merge underneath the arm hole 5. A first fastener device, as

shown comprising a pair of elastic tapes forming flexible loops 7, is attached to the free edge part 2 of the right side-and-overlap portion 2, the arrangement being such that, when the portion 2 is extended across the back, the loops 7 may be passed through the openings 6 and secured to a second fastener device 8 attached to the member A adjacent the openings 6. The fastener device 8 may be constituted by a ring of metal or other substantially rigid material which may be opened to receive the loop 7, and which then may be closed and latched or locked in closed position so as to prevent the loops 7 from slipping ofi. The fastener devices 7 and 8 thus serve to attach or connect the free edge portion 2 of the side-andoverlap portion 2 to the member A substantially underneath the arm hole 5.

For securing the free edge part 3 of the side-andoverlap portion 3 to the member A underneath the arm hole 4, a first securing elementas shown, a pair of elastic tapes forming flexible loops 9is attached to the free edge part 3 of the side-and-overlap portion 3; and a second securing elementfor example, a ring 10 which may be of rigid material-is secured to the member A adjacent both the portions 1 and 2 thereof, that is, substantially underneath the arm hole 4. When the sideand-overlap portion 3 has been extended around the left side of the infant and across the back and over the sideand-overlap portion 2, the loops 9 may be secured to the ring 10 which is adapted to be opened to receive the loops 9, and then to be closed and locked in closed position.

In order to prevent discomfort which otherwise might result from lying on the rings 8 and 10, padding 11 is attached to the garment A in a restricted area surrounding the openings 6, and padding 12 is attached to the garment A in a restricted area surrounding the ring 10. The padiing 11 and 12 serves not only to protect against discomfort, but also to reinforce the garment where the rings 8 and 10 are secured to it, and to minimize the chance that an obsteperous infant, by hard tugging, could tear the fastening devices and securing elements from the garment. I

It is desirable to locate the fastening devices 7, 8 and the securing elements 9, 10 near the bottom of the wrap around member A, and, accordingly, it is preferred to provide additional means for holding the tops of the portions 2 and 3 together in the neck region. For this purpose, flexible means such as small chains 13 and 14 may be connected to the portions 2 and 3, respectively, and may be connected to each other by a small clasp 15.

The retainer B which provides an intermediate connection between the Wrap around member A and the bed C or C preferably is so constructed as to be adjustable as to length, so as readily to be adaptable for attachment to beds or cribs of different sizes. In the form shown, the retainer B comprises an assembly including a central belt part 16, end parts 17 detachably connected to opposite ends of the central part 16 so as to provide extensions of the latter, and, for use on very wide beds, an intermediate belt part 18. The opposite ends of the belt part 16 are provided With rings 19 secured to the belt part 16 by tape loops 249. As shown in Figure 4, the intermediate belt part 18 has at one of its ends a snap fastener 21 secured to the belt part 18 by a tape loop 22, and being adapted to connect with a ring 19 on the central belt part 16. The belt part 18 has, at its other end, a ring 23 adapted to connect with a snap hook 24- connected to an elastic tape 25. The tape 25 is connected to one extremity of the end belt part 17. The belt part 17 is provided intermediate its length with two rings 26 adapted to receive and hold a tying tape 27 which may be passed around the leg of a bed as shown in Figure 7, and then secured by the rings 26. In the arrangement shown in Figure 7, only one intermediate belt part 13 is included, but it will be understood that additional intermediate belt parts may be used where greater length of the retainer assembly is required. When the assembly is to be applied to a narrow bed or crib C, the intermediate belt part or parts may be omitted and the end parts 17 may be connected directly to the center belt part 16 as shown in Figure 8. In the arrangement shown in Figure 8, the tying tape is secured to the bed side rail rather than to a bed leg. it is apparent that the retainer assembly is readily adaptable for use on beds of different sizes and constructions. This is particularly advantageous when traveling with an infant.

The means for connecting the wrap around member A to the retainer B is so arranged as to permit considerable freedom of movement, but nevertheless to prevent the infant from falling or escaping from the bed. In the form shown, wo straps 2d are secured at 2% to the center retainer belt 16 and are provided at their free ends with a loop 28*. Elastic inserts 23 in the straps 28 provide for limited stretching of the latter. The free ends of the straps 28 may be held apart by a spreader 28 In use, the straps 28 extend underneath the wrap around garment A to the babys left side, and the loop 28' is fastened to the same ring 8 as the loops 7.

Other straps 29 are secured at 29 to the central belt part 16 at a location spaced from the location of the attachment 28 and are provided at their free ends with a loop 29*, elastic parts sa being inserted in the belts 29 to provide resilience. A spreader 29 is provided at the free ends of the straps 29. In use, the straps 29 pass underneath the wrap around member A, cross the straps 28, and extend to the babys right side, the loop 29' being secured to the ring 10 to which the loops 9 also are secured as previously explained.

The arrangement of the straps 28 and .29 and their correlation with the retainer B and wrap around garment A are such that the baby may roll from side to side without reaching either side edge of the bed and without discomfort. Extended use of the safety device by ditferent families has been found to provide safety and at the same time comfort and reasonable freedom, allowing the baby to sleep in any prone position. The fasteners and securing elements are so arranged and cushioned by the padding 11 and 12 that even the rigid fastener device 8 and securing device 10 cause no discomfort.

Although the drawings illustrate the invention as being embodied in a device including a wrap around member A terminating at the waist, it is apparent that the member A may be used in association with an extension or appendage for encompassing the legs and feet. ()ther possible variations or modifications may be resorted to.

The safety sleeping garment device disclosed embodies the invention in a preferred form, but it is intended that the disclosure be illustrative rather than definitive. The invention is defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a safety sleeping garment device, the combination of a wrap around member adapted to encompass a persons torso and comprising a center portion, first and second side-and-overlap portions respectively merging with said center portion, being adapted to overlap each other, having free side edges, and being of such length as each to extend around one side of and across the torso and substantially to the opposite side thereof with said first side-and-overlap portion underlying said second sideand-overlap portion, an opening in said wrap around member adjacent both said center portion and said second sideand-overlap portion, a first fastener device on said first side-and-overlap portion adapted to extend through said opening from the inside of said wrap around member to the outside thereof, a second fastener device on the outside of said wrap around member adjacent said opening adapted to be attached to said first fastener device when the latter is so extended through said opening, a first securing element on said second side-andoverlap portion, and a second securing element on the outside of said wrap around member adapted to be attached to said first securing element; and means for securing said wrap around member to a bed.

2. In a safety sleeping garment device, the combination of a wrap around member adapted to encompass a persons torso and comprising a center portion, first and second side-and-overlap portions respectively merging ith said center portion, being adapted to overlap each other, having free side edges, and being of such length as each to extend around one side of and across the torso, and substantially to the opposite side thereof with said first side-and-overlap portion underlying said second side-and-overlap portion, arm holes respectively between said center portion and said side-and-overlap portions, an opening in said wrap around member adjacent both said center portion and said second side-and-overlap portion and underneath the one of said armholes therebetween, a first fastener device on said first side-and-overlap portion adapted to extend through said opening from the inside of said wrap around member to the outside thereof, a second fastener device on the outside of said wrap around member adjacent said opening adapted to be attached to said first fastener device when the latter is so extended through said opening, a first securing element on said second side-and-overlap portion, and a second securing element on the outside of said wrap around member underneath the other of said armholes and being adapted to be attached to said first securing element; and means for securing said wrap around member to a bed.

3. In a safety sleeping garment device, the combination of a wrap around member adapted to encompass a persons torso and comprising a center portion, first and second side-and-overlap portions respectively merging with said center portion, being adapted to overlap each other, having free side edges, and being of such length as each to extend around one side of and across the torso and substantially to the opposite side thereof with said first side-and-overlap portion underlying said second side-and-overlap portion, an opening in said wrap around member adjacent both said center portion and said second side-and-overlap portion, a first fastener device on said first side-and-overlap portion adapted to extend through said opening from the inside of said wrap around member to the outside thereof, a second fastener device on the outside of said wrap around member adjacent said opening adapted to be attached to said first fastener device when the latter is so extended through said opening, one of said fastener devices being of rigid material, padding on said wrap around member in a restricted area surrounding said opening, a first securing element on said second side-and-overlap portion, and a second securing element on the outside of said wrap around member adapted to be attached to said first securing element; and means for securing said wrap around member to a bed.

4. In a safety sleeping garment device, the combination of a wrap around member adapted to encompass a persons torso and comprising a center portion, first and second side-and-overlap portions respectively merging with said center portion, being adapted to overlap each other, having free side edges, and being of such length as each to extend around one side of and across the torso and substantially to the opposite side thereof with said first side-and-overlap portion underlying said second side-and-overlap portion, an opening in said wrap around member adjacent both said center portion and said second side-and-overlap portion, a first fastener device on said first side-and-overlap portion adapted to extend through said opening from the inside of said wrap around member to the outsidethereof, a second fastener device on the outside of said wrap around member adjacent said opening adapted to be attached to said first fastener device when the latter is so extended through said opening, a'first securing element on said second side-and-overlap portion, a second securing element on the outside of said wrap around member adapted to be attached to said first securing element, one of said securing elements being of rigid material, and padding on said wrap around member in a restricted area surrounding said second securing element, and means for securing said wrap around member to a bed. I

5. In a safety sleeping garment device, the combination of a wrap around memberjadapted to encompass a persons torso and comprising a center portion, first and second side-and-overlap portions respectively merging with said center portion, being adapted to overlap each other, having free side edges, and being of such length as each to extend around one side of and across the torso and substantially to the opposite side thereof with said first side-and-overlap portion underlying said second sideand-overlap portion, an opening in said wrap around member adjacent both said center portion and said second side-and-overlap portion, a first fastener device on said first side-and-overlap portion adapted to extend through said opening from the inside of said wrap around member to the outside thereof, a second fastener device on the outside of said wrap around member adjacent said opening adapted to be attached to said first fastener device when the latter is so extended through said opening, one of said fastener devices being-of rigid material, padding on said wrap around member in a restricted area surrounding said opening, a first securing element on said second side-and-overlap portion, a second securing element on the outside of said wrap around member adapted to be attached to said first securing element, one of said securing elements being of rigid material, and padding on said wrap around member in a restricted area surrounding said second securing element; and means for securing said wrap around member to a bed.

6. In a safety sleeping garment device, the combination of a wrap around member adapted to encompass a persons torso and comprising a center portion, first and second side-and-overlap portions respectively merging with said center portion, being adapted to overlap each other, having free side edges, and being of such length as each to extend around one side of and across the torso and substantially to the opposite side thereof with said first side-and-overlap portion underlying said second sideand-overlap portion, an opening in said wrap around member adjacent both said center portion and said second side-and-overlap portion, a flexible fastener loop on said first side-and-overlap portion adapted to extend through said opening from the inside of said wrap around member to the outside thereof, a fastener ring on the outside of said wrap around member adjacent said opening adapted to be attached to said flexible fastener loop when the latter is so extended through said opening, a flexible securing loop on said second side-and-overlap portion,

and a securing ring on the outside of said wrap around member adapted to be attached to said flexible securing loop; and means for securing said wrap around member to a bed.

7. In a safety sleeping garment device, the combination of a wrap around member adapted to encompass a persons torsoand comprising a center portion, first and second side-and-overlap portions respectively merging with said center portion, being adapted to overlap each other, having free side edges, and being of such length as each to extend around one sideof and across the torso and substantially to the opposite side'thereof with said first side-and-overlap portion underlying said second sideand-overlap portion, an opening in said wrap around member adjacent both said center portion and said second side-and-overlap portion, a flexible fastener loop on said first side-and-overlap portion adapted to extend through said opening from the inside of said wrap around member to the outside thereof, a fastener ring of rigid material on the outside of said wrap around member adjacent said opening adapted tobe attached to said flexible fastener loop when the latter is so extended through said opening, padding on said wrap around member in a restricted area surrounding said opening, a flexible securing loop on said second side-and-overlap portion, a securing ring of rigid material on the outside of said wrap around member adapted to be attached to saidflexible securing loop, and

padding on said wrap around member in a restricted area surrounding said securing ring; and means for securing said wrap around member to a bed.

8. In a safety sleeping garment device, the combination of a wrap around member adapted to encompass a persons torsoand comprising a center portion, first and second side-and-overlap portions respectively merging with said center portion, being adapted to overlap each other, having free side edges, and being of such length as each to extend around one side of and across the torso and substantially to the opposite side thereof with said first side-and-overlap portion underlying said second side-and-overlap portion, an opening in said wrap around member adjacent both said center portion and said second side-and-overlap portion, a first fastener device on said first side-and-overlap portion adapted to extend through said opening from the inside of said wrap around member to the outside thereof, a second fastener device on the outside of said wrap around member adjacent said opening adapted to be attached to said first fastener device when the latter is so extended through said opening, a first securing element on said second side-and-overlap portion, and a second securing element on the outside of said wrap around member adapted to be attached to said first securing element; a retaining member adapted to lie flat against and to be secured to a bed; and means for connecting said fastener devices and said securing elements to said retaining member.

9, In a safety sleeping garment device, the combination of a wrap around member adapted to encompass a persons torso and comprising a center portion, first and second side-and-overlap portions respectively merging with said center portion, being adapted to overlap each other, having free side edges, and being of such length as each to extend around one side of and across the torso and substantially to the opposite side thereof with said first side-and-overlap portion underlying said second sideand-overlap ortion, an opening in said wrap around member adjacent both said center portion and said second side-and-overlap portion, a first fastener device on said first side-and-overlap portion adapted to extend through said opening from the inside of said wrap around member to the outside thereof, a second fastener device on the outside of said wrap around member adjacent said opening adapted to be attached to said first fastener device when the latter is so extended through said opening, a first securing element on said second sideand-overlap portion, and a second securing element on the outside of said wrap around member adapted to be at tached to said first securing element; a retaining member adapted to lie flat against and to be secured to a bed; means for connecting said fastener devices to said retaining member at one location thereon; and means for conmeeting said securing elements to said retaining member at another location thereon.

' 10. In a safety sleeping garment device, the combination of a wrap around member adapted to encompass a persons torso and comprising a center portion, first and second iside-and-overlap portions respectively merging with said center portion, being adapted to overlap each other, having free side edges, and being of such length as each to extend around one side of and across the torso and substantially to the opposite side thereof with said first side-and-overlap portion underlying said second side-and-overlap portion, an opening in said wrap around member adiaccnt both said center portion and said second side-and-overlap portion, a first fastener device on said, first side-and-overlap portion adapted to ex-' tend through said opening from the inside of said wrap around member to the outside thereof, a second fastener device on the outside of said wrap around member adjacent said opening adapted to be attached to said first fastener device when the latter is so extended through said opening, a first securing element on said second sideand-overlap portion, and a second securing element on the outside of said wrap around member adapted to be attached to said first securing element; a retaining member adapted to lie flat against and to be secured to a bed; a first strap means having one of its'ends secured to said retaining member, passing under said wrap around member, and having the other of its ends connected to said fastener devices; and a second strap means having one of its ends secured to said retaining member, passing under said wrap around member, crossing said first strap smears? means, and having the other of its ends connected to said securing elements.

11. In a safety sleeping garment device, the combination of a wrap around member adapted to encompass a persons torso and comprising a center portion, first and second side-and-overlap portions respectively merging With said center portion, being adapted to overlap each other, having free side edges, and being of such length as each to extend around one side of and across the torso and substantially to the opposite side thereof with said first side-and-overlap portion underlying said second side-and-overlap portion, an opening in said wrap around member adjacent both said center portion and said second side-and-overlap portion, a first fastener device on said first side-and-overlap portion adapted to extend through said opening from the inside of said wrap around member to the outside thereof, a second fastener device on the outside of said wrap around member adjacent said opening adapted to be attached to said first fastener device when the latter is so extended through saidonening, a first securing element on said second sideand-overlap portion, and a second securing element on the outside of said wrap around member adapted to be attached to said first securing element; a retaining assembly adapted to lie flat against a bed and comprising a belt part, means detachably connected to said belt part for increasing its effective bed spanning length, and means for securing said assembly to the bed; and means for connecting said fastener devices and said securing elements to said belt part.

12. In a safety sleeping garment device, the combination of a Wrap around member adapted to encompass a persons torso and comprising a center portion, first and second side-and-overlap portions respectively merging with said center portion, being adapted to overlap each other, having free side edges, and being of such length as each to extend around one side of and across the torso and substantially to the opposite side thereof with said first side-and-overlap portion underlying said second side-andoverlap portion, an opening in said wrap around member adjacent both said center portion and said second sideand-overlap portion, a first fastener device on said first side-and-overlap portion adapted to extend through said opening from the inside of said wrap around member to the outside thereof, a second fastener device on the outside of said wrap around member adjacent said opening adapted to be attached to said first fastener device when the latter is so extended through said opening, a first securing element on said second side-and-overlap portion, and a second securing element on the outside of said wrap around member adapted to be attached to said first securing element; a retaining assembly adapted to lie flat against a bed and comprising a central belt part, end belt parts detachably connected respectively to opposite ends of said central belt part for increasing the effective bed spanning length of said assembly and means for connecting said end belt parts respectively to opposite sides of the bed; and means for connecting said fastener devices and said securing elements to said central belt part.

13,. In a safety sleeping garment device, the combination of a wrap around member adapted to encompass a persons torso and comprising a center portion, first and second side-and-overlap portions respectively merging with said center portion, being adapted to overlap each other, having free side edges, and being of such length as each to extend around one side of and across the torso and substantially to the opposite side thereof with said first side-and-overlap portion underlying said second sideand-overlap portion, an opening in said wrap around member adjacent both said centerportion and said second side-.and-overlap portion, a first fastener device .on said first side-and-overlap portion adapted to extend through said opening from the inside of said wrap around member to the outside thereof, a second fastener device on the outside of said wrap around member adjacent said opening adapted to be attached to said first fastener device when the latter is so extended through said opening, a first securing element on said second side-and-overlap portion, and a second securing element on the outside of said Wrap around memberadaptecl to be attached to said first securing element; a retainer adapted to lie on and to span a bed crosswise; means for attaching the ends of said retainer to the opposite sides of the bed respectively; means for adjusting the bed spanning length of said retainer; and means for connecting said fastener devices and said securing elements to said retainer intermediate the ends thereof.

14. In a safety sleeping garment device, the combination of a wrap around member adapted to encompass a persons torso and comprising a center portion, first and second side-and-overlap portions respectively merging with said center portion, being adapted to overlap each other, having free side edges, and being of such length as each to extend around one side of and across the torso and substantially to the opposite side thereof with said first side-and-overlap portion underlying said second side-and-overlap portion, an opening in said wrap around member adjacent both said center portion and said second side-and-overlap portion, an, elastic fastener loop on said "first side-and-overlap portion adapted to extend through said opening from the inside of said Wrap around member to the outside thereof, a fastener ring on the outside of said Wrap around member adjacent said opening adapted to be attached to said elastic fastener loop when the latter is so extended through said opening, an elastic securing loop on said second side-and-overlap portion, and a securing ring on the outside of said Wrap around member adapted to be attached to said elastic securing loop; and means for securing said wrap around member to a bed.

15. In a safety sleeping garment device, the combination of a wrap around member adapted to encompass a persons torso and comprising a center portion, first and second side-andoverlap portions respectively merging with said center portion, being adapted to overlap each other, having free side edges, and being of such length as each to extend around one side of and across the torso and substantially to the opposite side thereof with said first side-and-overlap portion underlying said second sideand-overlap portion, an opening in said wrap around member adjacent both said center portion and said second side-and-overlap portion, a first fastener device on said first side-and-overlap portion adapted to extend through said opening from the inside of said wrap around member to the outside thereof, a second fastener device on the outside of said wrap around member adjacent said opening adapted .to be attached to said first fastener device when the latter is so extended through said opening, a first securing element on said second side and-overlap portion, and a second securing element on the outside of said wrap around member adapted to be attached to said first securing element; and means for securbincg said fastener devices and said securing elements toa e References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,172,103 Bennett Feb. 15, 1916 1,310,958 OConnor July 22, 1919 

